Exploring barriers to the use of formal maternal health services and priority areas for action in Sidama zone, southern Ethiopia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In 2015 the maternal mortality ratio for Ethiopia was 353 per 100,000 live births. Large numbers of women do not use maternal health services. This study aimed to identify factors influencing the use of maternal health services at the primary health care unit (PHCU) level in rural communities in Sidama zone, south Ethiopia in order to design quality improvement interventions.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study in six woredas in 2013: 14 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 44 in-depth interviews with purposefully selected community members (women, male, traditional birth attendants, local kebele administrators), health professionals and health extension workers (HEWs) at PHCUs. We digitally recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed the interviews and FGD

SUBMITTER: Kea AZ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5897996 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature